Area Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Area Coordinator is a full-time, live-in professional staff member in the Office of Residence Life at Edward Waters University. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Residence Life, the Area Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management, leadership, and oversight of a residence hall or group of residence halls. This individual plays a vital role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and developmentally supportive living environment that promotes student success, engagement, and a strong sense of community.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or related field preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preferred: Prior experience working in a college or university residential setting is strongly preferred or relevant progressive work experience.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Commitment to student development and providing high-quality residential experiences.
• Demonstrated understanding of student conduct, crisis response, and community development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Development and Educational Curriculum

• Collaborate with Residence Life and Housing staff to implement a comprehensive community development model that fosters a positive residential experience and promotes a sense of belonging among students.
• Provide personal support to residents through one-on-one advising, informal counseling, crisis response, and referrals to appropriate campus resources.
• Offer leadership and guidance to Resident Assistants and students in cultivating inclusive and engaged communities at the floor, hall, and campus-wide levels.
• Assist students in addressing common developmental challenges such as transitioning to college, managing academic and financial stress, adjusting to communal living, and preparing for professional life.
• Maintain high visibility and approachability within the residence halls by regularly engaging with residents and attending community events and programs.
• Support and serve as a resource to the Residence Hall Association (RHA), encouraging student leadership, involvement, and governance.
• Identify the needs of diverse student populations and special interest groups and ensure programs are developed and delivered to address those needs effectively.
• Assist with programming preparation and special projects as designated.
• Maintain detailed community development records, including programming participation, assessment outcomes, budget usage, and resource tracking, to inform future planning and continuous improvement.
• Occasionally attend local, regional, and national workshops and meetings.

B. Policy Enforcement & Duty Coverage

• Foster an environment of self-governance, mutual respect, and personal accountability by promoting community standards and encouraging students to resolve conflicts constructively.
• Clearly communicate, uphold, and interpret university and residential life policies for staff and residents.
• Support Resident Assistants in addressing behavioral concerns and confronting policy violations, providing guidance and modeling appropriate intervention techniques.
• Administer the educational student conduct process for the assigned residential area, including documentation, hearings, sanctions, and follow-up in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to respond to emergencies, crises, and incidents involving student safety and welfare during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

C. Staff Development

• Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of 8 to 16 Resident Assistants, ensuring they are well-trained, supported, and held accountable to their responsibilities.
• Assist with the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new Resident Assistants through application review, interviews, and orientation processes.
• Support the planning and execution of fall, spring, and ongoing RA training programs to ensure staff are equipped to support student development and community building.
• Serve as a liaison to various university departments (e.g., Student Life, Academic Affairs, Public Safety) to promote collaboration and holistic student support.
• Represent the Office of Residence Life and the Division of Student Success & Engagement on institutional committees, working groups, and campus-wide initiatives.

D. Departmental Communication and Decision-Making

• Participate actively in regular staff meetings with the Director of Residence Life, Assistant Director of Residence Life, and Director of Housing to align on departmental goals and initiatives.
• Lead weekly staff meetings with assigned RAs to communicate updates, review responsibilities, and provide developmental feedback.
• Serve on and chair departmental committees as assigned, contributing to strategic planning and the enhancement of residence life operations.
• Provide insight and recommendations on policy development, operational procedures, program planning, and strategic priorities within Residence Life.
• Maintain open and timely communication with professional staff regarding critical incidents, student concerns, and facility issues in the residential area.
• Establish and sustain collaborative communication channels with campus partners including Facilities, Campus Safety, Dining Services, Counseling, and Student Affairs to ensure responsive service and support for residents.

E. Administration

• Oversee administrative operations within the assigned residential area, including key control, occupancy tracking, incident reporting, programming documentation, and weekly reporting requirements.
• Coordinate hall opening and closing procedures, including check-in/check-out processes, room inspections, and assignment logistics in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Housing.
• Submit and follow up on maintenance and facility work orders to ensure a safe and well-maintained living environment.
• Monitor, assess, and report on the effectiveness of residence hall programs, using benchmarking data, student feedback, and participation metrics to inform improvements.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records related to student conduct, programming, maintenance, staff supervision, and other residential operations.
• Participate in university-wide events, student programming efforts, and orientation activities to support new and returning students.

Related Searches:

• Residence Life and Housing